As the Delhi Lok Sabha election approaches, the battle is heating up between the BJP, aiming to maintain its clean sweep from 2019, and the AAP-Congress alliance seeking to make significant gains. Both parties are ramping up their campaigns amid legal challenges and controversies.
AAP and Congress Form Alliance in Delhi
The AAP and Congress have formed an alliance under the INDIA bloc, with AAP contesting four seats and Congress three. This partnership extends to one seat in Haryana and two in Gujarat, while they opt for a friendly fight in Punjab.
Candidates in the Fray
AAP's candidates for Delhi are:
Kuldeep Kumar (East Delhi)
Sahiram Pehalwan (South Delhi)
Mahabal Mishra (West Delhi)
Somnath Bharti (New Delhi)
Congress has fielded:
Udit Raj (North-West Delhi)
Jai Prakash Agarwal (Chandni Chowk)
Kanhaiya Kumar (North-East Delhi)
The BJP, which won all seven seats in 2019, has replaced six of its candidates, retaining only Manoj Tiwari (North-East Delhi). The new BJP candidates are:
Praveen Khandelwal (Chandni Chowk)
Harsh Deep Malhotra (East Delhi)
Yogender Chandolia (North-West Delhi)
Ramvir Singh Bhiduri (South Delhi)
Kamaljeet Singh Sehrawat (West Delhi)
Bansuri Swaraj (New Delhi)
Legal Troubles for AAP
AAP is facing significant legal challenges. Key leaders like Sanjay Singh, Manish Sisodia, and Satyendar Jain are already behind bars on graft charges. Recently, Arvind Kejriwal, AAP's national convenor, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. However, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail, boosting AAP's campaign.
Reports suggest this is the first instance of a political party being named in a corruption case. Allegations also involve irregularities in the Delhi Jal Board and expired medicines at mohalla clinics.
Campaign Challenges and Controversies
Kejriwal's release has energized AAP's campaign, which was led by his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, during his incarceration. He has since spearheaded roadshows and public meetings in Delhi and held rallies in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Punjab.
The campaign faced a setback with the Swati Maliwal assault case. Maliwal, an AAP Rajya Sabha MP, alleged she was assaulted by Kejriwal's former aide, Bibhav Kumar, at the CM's residence. The BJP criticized AAP for its initial response and subsequent dismissal of the allegations.
Senior AAP leader Atishi later dismissed Maliwal's claims, calling her a "BJP agent." Kumar filed a counter-complaint, accusing Maliwal of unauthorized entry and verbal abuse. Despite his cooperation, Kumar was arrested and remanded in police custody. The Delhi Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter.
A Heated Contest Ahead
As the political temperature in Delhi rises, the BJP is determined to repeat its 2019 success, while AAP and Congress hope their alliance will yield significant gains. With ongoing legal battles and new controversies, the contest for Delhi's Lok Sabha seats promises to be intense and closely watched.
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